How to Keep Your Feet Happy

How to Keep Your Feet Happy



Keeping my feet happy is considered my obligation as far as I'm concerned. For almost my entire life my feet have had to carry my weight and deal with my abuse, and it wasn't until I developed a painful bunion that I realized my feet will let me know when they're not happy. Since then, I've done what I had to do to keep my feet smiling because when my feet are unhappy, I'm unhappy too. Below is a list I'd like to share with you, a list of things you can do to keep your feet grinning from toe-to-toe.







How to Keep Your Feet Happy, by Grace Covelli




1


Wear Shoes Your Feet Will Feel Comfortable InThe human foot is made up of twenty-six bones, two sesamoids, seventeen muscles, one hundred and seven ligaments, twelve tendons, nerves, fascia, connective tissue, and a supply of blood. To try and squeeze all that into a too small shoe would be an injustice. According to some experts, anyone who wears ill-fitting shoes or high heels may wind up with foot disorders that place the body under stress. Wearing shoes your feet will be comfortable in is one very important way to keep your feet happy.





2


Give Your Feet Some TLCPamper your feet with a foot soak. Add a handful of Epsom salts and an essential oil of your choice to water and allow feet to soak for five to ten minutes. You may want to scrub calluses with a pumice stone afterwards and trim toenails. Wash feet, dry and apply a moisturizer.





3


Treat Your FeetGive your feet (and your body, mind and soul) the gift of reflexology. Having your feet rubbed is an extremely relaxing experience. Just think of how wonderful it would feel to have the seven thousand plus nerve endings in your feet gently stimulated. Reflexology will allow your tired feet to take a break while it transports you to a tranquil place.





4


Give Your Feet a CheckupTake note of any foot disorders that may appear. Watch for ingrown toenails. Most likely, you will be alerted to this problem as ingrown toenails can be painful. See a podiatrist if you're having problems with your feet.








Tips & Warnings










1. Before you add an essential oil to your foot bath, make sure it's safe to use. Some essential oils are not recommended for use if you are pregnant, or if you have an existing medical condition.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2321230_keep-feet-happy.html

How to Keep the Fungus, Peeling and Blisters Away from your Feet for Construction Workers

How to Keep the Fungus, Peeling and Blisters Away from your Feet for Construction Workers



Do you Suffer from "Fungus Feet"? Have you tried all over-the-counter sprays and powders for feet? Hard to keep the moisture out of your boots and away from your feet? Read on to learn how to keep the fungus away from your feet.







Things You'll Need:





Socks




Shoes




Baby Powder or Corn Starch




Clean, Dry Feet







How to Keep the Fungus, Peeling and Blisters Away from your Feet for Construction Workers




1


Sprinkle Baby Powder or Cornstarch in the bottom of your shoes and spread evenly throughout.





2


Next, sprinkle Bably Powder in your socks before putting them on your feet, daily.





3


If you have excessive moisture, sprinkle your boots daily. If not, sprinkle 1-3 times per week.





4


Keep your feet clean, soft and happy--use a pumice stone and foot scrubber on your feet at least once a week!








Tips & Warnings










Shake the powder throughout the feet of your socks, and the insides of your shoes to spread evenly.








The baby powder or the cornstarch will keep the moisture in your feet down, which causes the fungus. Sometimes, the powders and sprays for feet do not work, and a more natural "sponge" and skin softener will work for the blistering and peeling.








The cleaner you keep your feet, the less likely you are to acquire a fungus.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2139423_blisters-away-feet-construction-workers.html

How to Learn About Reiki

How to Learn About Reiki



Reiki is a form of spiritual healing wherein hands are placed on or above the patient to purportedly heal and restore the patient's energy. This Japanese practice is used for intense relaxation and to purify the body of sicknesses from cancer to the common cold.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access







Attend a Reiki Class




1


Find a Reiki class in your area. Many states around the country provide classes, and international classes are available as well. There are many Reiki practitioner directories that make locating a practitioner or a class very easy. Try the International Center for Reiki Training Web site (see Resources below).





2


Learn about the different levels of Reiki. As a beginner you will want to attend Reiki I, but classes extend to level II, Usui Reiki Master and Karuna Reiki Master.





3


Create a budget. Beginner-level classes are fairly inexpensive, but to learn more about Reiki you might have to attend several sessions.





4


Contact the teacher of the Reiki class you decide to take before attending. Ask him or her any preliminary questions you have about Reiki and try to get a feel for the teacher's credentials. In most cases, you can also sign up for your class directly through the teacher.



Research Reiki in Your Community




1


Learn more about Reiki by joining a Reiki community in your area. You can attend workshops, retreats and meetings to learn more about Reiki and its ideologies.





2


Subscribe to a Reiki newsletter, either an online source or in print. Try the free one published by the International Center for Reiki Training (see Resources below).





3


Buy a book to learn about Reiki (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










Use other holistic practices with Reiki to achieve positive healing.








When working with the very young or the elderly, practice should be limited to under half an hour.








Book your Reiki class early, as they often sell out.








Reiki does not take the place of pain killers and should not be used as such.








High anxiety may be experienced after Reiki treatments have concluded, and a physician's assistance may be needed.








Consult a physician immediately if you're suffering from acute muscular pain.








Reiki is not a proven science and results do vary.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031606_learn-reiki.html

How to Learn About Reflexology

How to Learn About Reflexology



Reflexology is administered as a massage technique, in which pressure is applied to both the feet and hands to purportedly stimulate and heal other parts of the body. Stress relief and muscle tension are common reasons for seeking out reflexology treatment.







Things You'll Need:





Library card




Phone book




Computer with Internet access







Learn About Reflexology




1


Visit the Reflexology Association of America Web site (see Resources below) for more information on reflexology as a study and a practice. This site provides plenty of information as well as links to other resources. You can locate a reflexology professional by state, read through online articles and find out how to become an accredited reflexologist.





2


Perform a Web search on reflexology. Though an Internet search is a very inexpensive option, be aware that you may be lead to false information. When gathering information over the Internet, it is best to avoid sites that are splattered with ads or pop-ups.





3


Grab your library card and visit your local library. Request the assistance of a librarian if you do not know where to look. Libraries are another inexpensive option for materials on reflexology.





4


Take advantage of archived materials such as magazines, journals and newspaper articles at your local library. You may find a veritable gold mine of information. Try the Australian magazine "Reflexology World" or the British magazine, "Positive Health."





5


Peruse the stacks of a new or used book store. Try the Alternative Medicine, Natural Healing or Homeopathic Remedies aisle. Prices are inexpensive to moderate.





6


Rent or purchase a video or
DVD
on reflexology. Online retailers carry DVDs such as "Reflexology: A Complete Guide to Practical Reflexology." (see Resources below)





7


Attend a reflexology seminar or class in your local area. The Reflexology Association of America Web site posts several events across the nation. Note that some classes may require reservations or a deposit or both.





8


Find your local or state reflexology association. The Reflexology Association of America Web site has a list of reflexology associations across the United States. If your state is not on that list, try the phone book under Alternative Medicine or Holistic Practitioners.








Tips & Warnings










Reflexology is not meant to treat or diagnose specific illnesses, nor is a reflexologist a licensed medical practitioner. Severe pain or discomfort should be addressed by a licensed medical physician immediately.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031595_learn-reflexology.html

How to Know if Crystal Healing is Working

How to Know if Crystal Healing is Working



Crystal healing is used to treat and purportedly cure a variety of ailments like obesity, congestion, weight management and even cancer and insomnia. The strategy is to draw out the natural energizing force within different crystals as you apply them to the body for a set amount of time. This can be done in a number of ways, like bathing with them, or using them in your drinking water. These forces help to return the body to its balanced state of wholeness. Follow these steps to find out if crystal healing is working.







Things You'll Need:





Journal to track progress




Healing crystals




Cleansing solutions







Know if Crystal Healing is Working




1


Believe in it. That's half the battle with anything you can't physically see.





2


Check with a crystal expert or certified crystal healer. Experience is key if you're new to crystal healing, and sometimes one hour of guidance by someone more initiated than your makes all the difference.





3


Try alternating stones or locations of stones. Sometimes small differences make a big change in results.





4


Keep a crystal healing journal. Record your daily experience as you change patterns of use and see what appears to be working for you. Know that crystal healing done on your own is all about getting in touch with your intuition and body's reaction to the different stones.





5


Consult a guide. Check the "Mystical Soup" Web site for information on what each crystal is intended to do (see Resources below). You may be using the wrong crystal for the wrong thing.





6


Make sure you buy the right color. To create healing energies, stick to aquamarine and rose quartz. Energy is best cultivated with yellow, orange and red stones, while soothing effects are found in blue or purple colors.



Know the Barriers to Effective Crystal Healing




1


Keep stones clean. There are several cleansing methods you can use overnight, such as placing them in the freezer, out in sunlight or rain. You can also use sea salt or sage tea as a cleansing solution.





2


Prevent others from touching your crystals. Energy rubs off and onto the stones, which contaminates them in future use.





3


Make sure you buy your stones from a reputable source. Fakes, synthetic dyes and mislabeled stones are common problems. The result is a weak or dead stone with no working energy coming from it at all.








Tips & Warnings










Know that crystal healing is more expensive if you visit a certified practitioner. You can save money and time by learning how to do it yourself.








Never use crystal healing to battle pneumonia, pain in your chest or numbness in your limbs. These types of symptoms require professional medical care.








Crystal healing is not a proven science and results do vary.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031583_crystal-healing-working.html

How to Know if Color Therapy is Working

How to Know if Color Therapy is Working



A color therapist uses color and light to purportedly restore balance to your energy or vibrational field. In this way, they treat everything from anxiety to infertility. Color therapists look for clues to energy imbalances using tools such as Luscher's color preference test and aura-reading devices like Kirlian
cameras
. With holistic medicine, physical and mental changes tend to occur over a longer period of time than with traditional medicine. The progress may be most evident in changes in spirit and mind, as well as increases in creative flow. Follow these steps to find out more.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access









1


Learn more about the practice, theories and techniques of color therapy by reading popular books on the subject, like "Colors of the Soul: Transform Your Life Through Color Therapy" by June McLeod (see Resources below).





2


Keep a journal, and track changes in your thoughts over time. Notice if you're feeling less depressed or less anxious since you started color therapy.





3


See a professional color therapist and request a Kirlian photo of your aura or energy field. Ask for a photo before and after treatment. Compare the intensity of the two images.





4


Learn how to read your own aura in "How to See and Read the Aura" by Ted Andrews (see Resources below). Notice if your "chakras" become balanced or if certain colors become less murky over time.





5


Temporarily stop treatment, and notice if you become more agitated or anxious. Sometimes the easiest way to know if a technique is really working is to cease performing it for a brief time.





6


Experiment with colors in your clothing. See if you feel more energized when you wear red, calmer when you wear blue or more focused when you wear yellow. Once you know which colors affect your mood, you can dress for emotional success.





7


Try complementary therapies like sound therapy, massage therapy and aromatherapy, and notice if you see even more changes in your body and mind. Working with complementary therapies may make the practice of color therapy more pleasant and relaxing to you.








Tips & Warnings










Invest in inexpensive color therapy tools such as gemstones, crystals, colored water bottles, colored clothes or scarves.








Kirlian cameras are used to photograph energy fields and imbalances. If you visit a professional color therapist, he or she may use a Kirlian camera.








Color therapists are generally not licensed. They're not meant to provide medical treatment, perform surgical procedures or prescribe medication. If you experience pain or prolonged illness, see a doctor immediately.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031572_color-therapy-working.html

How to Join a Reiki Community

How to Join a Reiki Community



Reiki is a Japanese homeopathic therapy that claims to stimulate positive energy in the body and release energy blockages. It is practiced by moving or placing one's hands above or on the body of the patient. Reiki is purported to treat a variety of conditions, including the effects of menopause, asthma and heart conditions.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet connection




Transportation to attend meetings









1


Research Reiki communities in your area via the newspaper or other free print resource. The International Association of Reiki Practitioners Web site provides a good starting point for your search (see Resources below).





2


Locate a Reiki community that will be a good match for you and your Reiki skills. There are several levels of Reiki practitioners, from Level 1 (beginner) to Master. It's best to join a group that's geared toward members with your level of knowledge.





3


Attend a Reiki class or treatment and ask your Reiki practitioner what community he or she belongs to.





4


Learn more about the different ideologies inherent in Reiki at The International Center for Reiki Training Web site (see Resources below).





5


Go to your local hospital and inquire about joining a Reiki community. Some Reiki practitioners work in conjunction with Western medicinal practices and maintain links with medical facilities.





6


Prepare to be welcomed. Reiki practitioners seek to help all people from all walks of life, and chances are you will not be turned away from the community even if you don't know anybody.





7


Work with the members of your Reiki community to bring in new members. You may need to post fliers and devote extra time to the group, but to be a committed member this sacrifice of time will be noted and appreciated.








Tips & Warnings










Ask your friends and family if they know of anyone practicing Reiki. Often the best way to join a community is to be referred.








Reiki is a holistic practice and should not replace the care of a doctor. If you feel you may have a serious illness or severe depression and show symptoms of such, consult a physician immediately.








Reiki is not a proven science and results do vary.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031611_join-reiki-community.html